- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has announced the rescue of some Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR).
NPO Reports the viral video of the stranded Nigerian nationals in Bambari region of the country.
The miners were purportedly abandoned by their employers and facilitators in the region which is about 850 kilometres from the country’s capital, Bangui.
Following the intervention pf the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the rescue of the workers in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
While reiterating the ministry’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens everywhere in the world, Ebienfa disclosed that the rescued workers have been taken to the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.
“The stranded Nigerian workers in CAR have been successfully rescued and are currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.
“A very big commendation to the staff of the Embassy and the Government of CAR for the successful operation.
“Nigeria is working. Following the video that went viral the necessary action was taken. God bless the team at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
Ebienfa said that the ministry had made contact with the victims through its officials in CAR.
He further explained that the ministry also engaged with relevant authorities there, and ensured their safety, protection and swift repatriation.
The ministry’s spokesman said that their passports were retrieved successfully, and a vehicle was sent to Bambari to evacuate them to Bangui.
Ebienfa said that discussions were also ongoing with a company for their accommodation and welfare while in Bangui and their subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians traveling abroad for work to henceforth always verify the credibility of their employers and ensure proper documentation before departure.
“’Nigerians are also advised to register their presence and that of their employees with the Embassy of Nigeria whenever they are in any foreign country, to avert unpleasant experiences in event of consular issues.’’ he said.